Renowned journalist and Arise News anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has refuted claims made during an interview on The Morning Show on Friday, June 6, 2025, by Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for former Governor Ayodele Fayose. In a strongly worded statement released on the same day, Abati dismissed the allegation that he ever approached the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to solicit money.
“I have never approached Minister Nyesom Wike to beg for money — that is a lie,” Abati stated. “If anyone, including an ex-partner, went to him under false pretences to solicit funds in my name, that action was not authorised by me. Such acts amount to fraud, and Minister Wike reserves every right to call them out.”
Addressing other issues raised in the interview, Abati clarified that he is not, and has never been, a spokesperson for former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, nor does he have access to Amaechi’s personal contact. “That claim is a fabrication,” he added.
On the matter of a past invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abati acknowledged being questioned but noted that it was “a lawful and procedural engagement.” He stated that no restitution was requested of him, and the EFCC, under its former chairman Ibrahim Magu, later issued an apology.
Abati also responded to Lere Olayinka’s choice of words during the interview, stating: “Lere Olayinka clearly misused the word ‘hubris’ — a basic dictionary reference would have sufficed. I will not indulge further in responding to him directly; he is not my peer. I await a more meaningful conversation from his principal, not his proxy.”
Clarifying his absence from The Morning Show on the same day, Abati said he was engaged in a pre-scheduled book review for Oprah Benson – Live and Legend, a 550-page biography authored by Dr. Udu Yakubu.
Standing by his previous statements on Minister Wike, Abati emphasized the importance of accountability in public service. “He is a public official occupying a public office and should remain subject to public scrutiny,” he said.
He also addressed references made to the late Senator Buruji Kashamu during the broadcast, urging restraint and respect for the deceased. “The allegations against him were never proven in court. Persisting in amplifying unproven accusations against the deceased is in poor taste and ethically questionable,” he stated.
Abati ended his statement by expressing gratitude to his co-hosts and production team, as well as his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, for their continued support.
“May God bless Nigeria with true transparency, integrity, and boldness in public discourse,” he concluded.
